Why This Watch Matters Known by the collectors as the "squashed logo" this vintage Heuer is pre-pre-Carrera and shows off the brand's ability to make a utilitarian chronograph decades prior to racing fame. The Full Story Heuer has a rich history of tool watch production. Whether it's stopwatches or chronographs, the Swiss brand knows a thing or two about timing events, particularly of the sporting variety. This circa 1940s chronograph features a black dial, a luminous dial and hands, gilt writing, and engine-turned sub-dials that line up nicely with the central axis of the hands. Overall, it has a very balanced aesthetic and the dial is just full of interesting details to pick out – like that Early Heuer chronographs like this are not the easiest things to find in the vintage watch world, especially in clean condition like this one. While the lume on the dial and hands has developed an overall dark patina, the look is immensely pleasing on the wrist. The lack of contrast in the numerals almost makes the gilt dial printing pop off the surface even more. At 36mm in diameter, the case is very well proportioned for wearing in the 21st century, something that cannot always be said for watches of this era and a large reason why we chose to offer this piece of Heuer history. It doesn't hurt that the case is extremely sharp for a watch this old either. We paired this Heuer ref. 345 with our McBride strap in light grey to play off the patina on the dial and further bring out that gilt printing. The Fine Print Maker: HeuerModel: ChronographReference: 345Year: 1940sCase No: 49955Movement No: 750468Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 36mm diameter; 14.5mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Heuer signed Valjoux, manually-wound, caliber 71Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE The McBride Watch Strap in Light GreyLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Squashed Heuer logo- Gilt dial printing- Crisp case Things To Know: - Patina on dial and dark lume patina- Scratches on case This Heuer 345 is in overall very nice, attractive condition. The case is strong with scratches and appears to have been very lightly polished. The edges on the lugs are still visible. The dial is in good condition and has developed patina around all the numbers and throughout. The engine turned subsidiary dials have very light scratches in the center. The lume on the dial has aged to an overall dark color with some shades of deep cream evident especially in the sunlight. The lume on the hands has developed patina and is close in color to that of the dial if not slightly lighter. The hands have developed some patina. The crown is correctly unsigned for this reference and era. The crystal is generally clean with light scratches. The dial, movement, and case are signed by Heuer. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
